Noman Ali etched his name in Pakistan cricket history on Saturday, becoming the first spinner from the country to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket. The 38-year-old’s extraordinary feat came during the second Test against the West Indies in Multan, where the visitors were bowled out for a mere 163 on the opening day. Noman’s hat-trick, which dismantled the West Indies’ top order, was a crucial highlight in Pakistan’s dominant start to the match.
A Stunning Collapse for the West Indies
After choosing to bat on a turning pitch, the West Indies struggled early against Pakistan’s spinners. Noman, brought into the attack as the first change, struck quickly by trapping West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite leg-before for nine. This breakthrough set the stage for a dramatic collapse, with Noman dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair on consecutive deliveries to complete a remarkable Test hat-trick. The visitors plummeted from 32-2 to a dire 38-7 in the span of just 14 balls.
Lower Order Shows Resilience
At 38-8, the West Indies appeared destined for a record-low score. However, Gudakesh Motie mounted a spirited counterattack, scoring a career-best 55 in his maiden Test half-century. Motie was well-supported by Jomel Warrican, who remained unbeaten on 36, and Kemar Roach, who contributed 25 runs. Their lower-order partnerships added 68 runs for the final wicket, taking the visitors past the 150-run mark and frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers.
Noman ultimately ended the resistance, dismissing Motie just before lunch to wrap up the innings. He finished with exceptional figures of 6-41, while his spin partner Sajid Khan picked up 2-64. Debutant pacer Kashif Ali also made an impression, claiming the wicket of Mikyle Louis for just four runs in his first over.
Historic Hat-Trick by Noman
Noman’s hat-trick makes him the fifth Pakistan bowler to achieve this milestone in Test cricket, joining legends such as Wasim Akram, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, and Naseem Shah. At 38, he is also the second-oldest player in Test history to claim a hat-trick, following Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath.
Pakistan’s Spin Strategy Dominates Again
Pakistan’s reliance on spin paid dividends once more, as it had in their 127-run victory in the first Test. The Multan pitch offered significant turn, and the West Indies’ collapse from 32-2 to 38-8 highlighted the effectiveness of Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack.
With the West Indies dismissed before lunch, Pakistan are in a commanding position to consolidate their dominance and aim for another series win against the tourists.
